Police rescue abducted children, arrest four suspects in Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, saying the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups and hunters as part of efforts to combat violent crime.

According to the statement, the rescue operation followed a distress call received on June 27 that armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, attacked residents, ransacked homes and abducted two children. Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, security operatives launched a search that led them to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest.

Police said the suspects opened fire on the advancing security team, resulting in a gun battle. The operatives overpowered the kidnappers, forcing them to flee, while one suspect, Umaru Usman, who sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange, was arrested. Three mobile phones were also recovered from the scene.

A follow-up operation on Saturday led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, who was also found with gunshot wounds allegedly sustained during the gunfight. Investigators later arrested Sunday Idowu for allegedly providing logistical support to the gang and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.

The command said the two abducted children were rescued alive and taken for medical examination and treatment. One of the victims sustained injuries while in captivity but was treated before both children were reunited with their family. Police added that the four suspects are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the criminal network.

In a separate operation, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered sophisticated firearms from an armed robbery syndicate during a follow-up investigation linked to an earlier arrest made on June 12. Although the wanted robbery kingpin and his gang escaped from their hideout in Ajah, Lagos State, security operatives recovered two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, a Magnum pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations into both cases are ongoing and assured residents that all suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded. It also commended the support of the Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public while urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.